St. Frances brings 50-42 end to young Spalding's bold streak Defending Catholic League champs pull away at end

January 17, 1998|By Lem Satterfield | Lem Satterfield,SUN STAFF

Coach Tony Martin calls his fifth-ranked Archbishop Spalding squad a "young team," but even in losing 50-42 last night at defending Catholic League champion St. Frances, his babies again proved they can play.

Demetrius Charles scored four of his 13 points during a critical 9-0 run over the game's final two minutes, and 6-foot-8 All-Metro Shawn Hampton scored a game-high 17 points, blocked four shots and grabbed 10 rebounds as No. 7 St. Frances (8-3, 4-1) turned away the league's new kid on the block.

The Panthers ended a three-game winning streak against league opponents by the Cavaliers (12-7, 3-1).

"We're a very young program; St. Frances is an nationally established program. What we did out here tonight is come out and earn a measure of respect," said Martin, whose team entered the game having beaten Cardinal Gibbons, Mount St. Joseph and Loyola. "We're disappointed that we lost but not with the effort we had on the floor. We have to put this behind us and get ready for Sunday with Calvert Hall."

Up by one after a short jumper by Hampton, the Panthers trailed again, 42-41, with 2: 15 to play after a put-back by Spalding's Chris Masters (seven points). Then with two minutes left, Brandon Reese began the Panthers' game-closing flourish, his RTC free throw tying the game at 42 with two minutes to play.

What followed were David Manigault's driving layup -- right by the visitors' 7-foot center Derrick Goode (12 points, 14 rebounds) -- a pair of free throws from Charles and Hampton (7-for-10 at the line), respectively, and a layup by Charles.

"Our defense set the tone from the beginning of the game, and Coach [William Wells] just told us to play hard, from start to finish," said Charles, who snatched a critical defensive rebound with 24 seconds to play. "Down the stretch, we made the better plays, but I take my hat off to them. They're a good team."

St. Frances led, 18-15, after one period, using a 6-0 run to overcome a 13-12 deficit. In that period, Charles had two three-point baskets and Todd Galloway one of his two on the night.

Spalding was within 26-25 at halftime with Hampton (nine points) leading all scorers. The Cavaliers, however, had received balanced scoring from six different players, with Derrick Snowden having scored a team-high seven points, his total for the night.

The towering Goode keyed a 9-0 run to start the third period for a 34-29 Cavaliers' lead, converting a couple of free throws and a put-back before his defensive rebound led to a three-pointer by Darren Johnson.

Leading 36-30, the Cavs' Goode blocked a shot, but the Panthers' 8-0 run allowed them to take a 38-36 lead into the final period.

"We're the champs, but we felt like the underdogs," Hampton said. "Now maybe we'll get some respect."